Surat: In a major crackdown on food adulteration, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Surat Police has raided and shut down a large-scale fake ghee manufacturing unit operating in the Sachin GIDC area.

Acting on a tip-off, authorities raided a unit running under the name ‘Sabka Foods’ and seized approximately 2,029 kilograms of adulterated ghee, along with machinery used for production. The total value of the seized materials, including the machinery, is estimated at ₹36 lakh, with the counterfeit ghee alone valued at ₹15 lakh.

Toxic Concoction Uncovered

The accused, identified as Bharat Polara and Amin Vadhwaniya, have been arrested in connection with the case. Investigations revealed that they were manufacturing the fake product by mixing palm oil and vegetable ghee with artificial essence and various chemical substances.

It has also come to light that the production was tailored to demand. Traders could order different grades of adulterated ghee, ranging from cheaper variants made entirely of oils to higher-priced versions containing small quantities of real ghee.

Two-Year Operation Spanning South Gujarat

The illegal factory had been operational for the past two years, serving as a major hub for counterfeit dairy products. The fake products were packaged and sold as ‘Vidur Cow Ghee’ and ‘Desi Ghee’ in various sizes, ranging from small pouches to 15 kg containers.

Authorities suspect that the supply network extended beyond Surat to several districts in Gujarat and other states, with attractive packaging used to mislead buyers.

The SOG stated that the syndicate had established a vast distribution network, supplying a large number of traders across the South Gujarat region. Further investigations are underway to identify the retailers and distributors involved in this widespread racket. DeshGujarat